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Jewelry Guide - Jewelry Buying Tips |
| Jewelry is a personal ornament, such as a ring, bracelet, necklace or any other item made from jewels, precious metals or any other material. Jewelry has fascinated, thrilled and impressed the world for thousands of years and played an important role in the growth of human civilization. Jewelry was in use long before clothing developed into fashion. Jewelry items are cherished symbols of prestige and beauty. |
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| Buying a perfect piece of jewelry for yourself or for your loved ones is not an easy task and it requires knowledge on many levels. You can get detailed information on each aspect of jewelry in the education section on this site. This will help enable you to get great quality jewelry for your money. |
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| The jewelry buying tips below will aid you in finding the jewelry you desire. |
- Set your budget for your jewelry purchases and then explore your options. You should be able to find a wide range of jewelry in your price range.
- Whenever you buy jewelry for your loved ones, keep their personality and preferences in mind.
- Always buy jewelry from a well reputed and known jeweler. If you are not familiar with a good jeweler, ask your family members or friends for their recommendations and/or look at reviews on line.
- Be aware of jewelry store lighting. It can be deceiving due to the high-intensity streams of light. You may wish to ask to see your stone in natural light.
- When buying jewelry, you should be sure you understand the jeweler’s policy on refunds, exchanges, warranties, and repair or replacement.
- When you decide to buy diamond or gemstone jewelry, you should always evaluate stones on the '4Cs' criteria (color, clarity, cut and carat weight).
- When you buy diamond or gemstone jewelry, you should always ask for the stone certificate as well as your payment receipt. A stone certificate may cost you little more money, but it will provide you much-needed peace of mind knowing that you are getting your money’s worth.
- You should ensure that the stones in your jewelry are properly polished and have great symmetry.
- When you buy gemstones, you should check them under different light conditions. If gemstones contain color change characteristics, then these should display a strong change in color between alternative exposure to daylight and incandescent light sources.
- When you buy gemstone jewelry, you must ascertain whether the stone is natural or treated. If it is treated or enhanced, then ask what method of treatment was used. Treated or enhanced gemstones can be less expensive than natural or non-treated gemstones.
- You must ensure that the appropriate markings are visible on precious metal jewelry.
- When buying gold jewelry, 10, 14 or 18 karat gold jewelry is most common/desirable. 24 karat gold jewelry is soft, less durable and more expensive. You should avoid buying less than 10 karat gold jewelry, as it appears dull.
- When you buy a jewelry piece, ensure that there are no visible blemishes or imperfections on the metal. You should also check to make certain that fasteners, clasps and catches work properly and are secure.
- When buying jewelry, look for craftsmanship and design. Your decision should also be based on symmetry, overall appearance and finish.
- Don't get confused between the two terms, 'carat' and 'karat'. 'Carat' denotes stone weight whereas 'karat' is used to describe gold's fineness or purity.
- While buying jewelry, you should not be in a hurry or under pressure. You should buy it at your convenience and at your own pace.
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These jewelry buying tips should help you to buy jewelry with more confidence.
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